Descrizione del progetto
Superare le sfide del settore per incrementare la produzione di idrogeno
Il raggiungimento degli obiettivi dell’iniziativa Hydrogen Europe per la produzione di idrogeno entro il 2030 richiede progressi in termini di prestazioni, durata, sicurezza e redditività della tecnologia: le tecnologie attuali non sono infatti sufficientemente efficienti o scalabili per soddisfare la crescente domanda. Il progetto AEMELIA, finanziato dall’UE, mira a sviluppare un elettrolizzatore avanzato che raggiunga un’elevata densità di corrente (1,5 A/cm²) e un basso consumo energetico (46,2 kWh/kg), superando gli obiettivi di efficienza energetica fissati dall’agenda strategica di ricerca e innovazione entro il 2030. Il progetto esplorerà approcci dirompenti come elettrodi privi di leganti e sintesi di catalizzatori avanzati sulla base dell’effetto sinergico dei calcogenuri, leghe metalliche con materiali abbondanti. Inoltre, AEMELIA svilupperà membrane più sottili dotate di elevata stabilità e bassa permeabilità. Nel complesso, il progetto di prefigge di ridurre il costo livellato dell’idrogeno a 2,5 €/kg, attirando in tal modo investimenti per l’ampliamento di scala post-progetto, generando ricavi e riducendo le emissioni di CO2 rispetto ai metodi convenzionali.
Obiettivo
AEMELIA accepts the challenge to design and prototype AEMEL that meets and surpasses Hydrogen Europe’s 2030 targets for performance, durability, safety and cost. AEMELIA proposes a clear path to reach high current-density (1.5 A cm-2) and low voltage (1.75 V). Energy-efficiency surpasses the 2030 target (46.9 kWh/kg, or 85% of maximum theoretical efficiency), to make 3 times more H2 with less energy compared to XY. LCOH also outshines 2030 targets at 2.5€/kgH2 (17% lower than 2030 target). The degradation rate meets the 2030 target, enabling a 10-year lifetime. These and other KPIs will be validated via the TRL4 prototype of a 5-cell stack at 100 cm² that will deliver 7.2 Nm3/day of H2 at a purity of 99.9% at 15 bar.
The team will develop and test disruptive materials, such as fluorine-free ionomers ; thin, highly-conducting membranes ; PGM-free recombination catalysts ; and ionomer-free electrodes. These components are based on earth-abundant, safe materials. They would be fully scalable via existing manufacturing processes. They will be combined in innovate cell designs, taking into account novel flow-field design based on CFD models. Innovative operating conditions such as high operating temperature and pulsed current will increase energy-efficiency while reducing balance of plant (BoP) and will be tested in single cells, as will the use of impure water for improved LCA and cost. Lastly, disruptive methods for AI-based ionomer development and the measurement of the catalytically-active surface area of non-PGM catalysts will be developed.
Performance, durability, LCA and cost KPIs will be shared with companies to convince them to invest in upscaling after the project. Partners have many success stories in developing disruptive electrochemical materials and systems and bringing them to market. AEMELIA’s market penetration in 2031 is expected to generate 527 M€ in revenues by 2036, and 1172 kt CO2/year avoided compared to steam methane reforming.
Campo scientifico
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineering
- natural scienceschemical scienceselectrochemistryelectrolysis
- natural scienceschemical sciencescatalysis
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryaliphatic compounds
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energyhydrogen energy
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- HORIZON.2.5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility Main Programme
Meccanismo di finanziamento
HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinatore
75015 PARIS 15
Francia